“let’s look at the bigger picture,” said Whedon, “and I can’t say this enough: THIS IS NOT A ZERO SUM GAME.

“Our successes, whoever has the mostest, are a boon to each other. We’re in the business of proving that superhero movies aren’t just eye-candy (they’re eye-TRUFFLES!). People seem intent on setting us against each other, and though I’m proud to be Woody Strode to Nolan’s Kirk Douglas, I think they’re missing the point.

“Whatever The Dark Knight Rises does on its first weekend, the only stat that matters to me is the ticket I’M definitely buying. Nolan and Raimi INVENTED the true superhero flick, yo. (Special mention to Jon Favreau and James Gunn.) Happy to be in the mix.”

What do you think of The Dark Knight Rises chance of success following Avengers Assembles blockbuster takings?